What was your reaction to this speech? What words, phrases, or passages did you think were most memorable or most important? Why? What literary devices did Lincoln use to convey his message? What feelings or emotions did you feel as you read this speech? What words/phrases/lines evoked these feelings? Why do you think this speech is revered as a great work of American literature?

Consider the text of “An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge” that we read last night as well as the video version. Please respond to the following questions below in a paragraph of 10-12 complete sentences.

What was your reaction to the short story? Why?

Which did you enjoy better: the text of the story or the video version? Why?

Why do you think Bierce entitled this story “An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge”?

What did you think of Bierce’s use of flashback in the story? Was it effective? Why or why not?

If Bierce would alive today and writing this story in a modern/contemporary setting, what event do you think he might choose as his subject matter? Why?

Think about what you know about the history of the United States. In your opinion, what historic time period or event was most challenging to the United States as a nation in its history? Identify the time period or event, and explain why you believe this time period/event was the greatest test or challenge our country has faced.